It's real early, but I have seen some good things this season despite the overall losses.</p> Head Coach:</p> The guy brought in a whole new offensive staff that is retraining everyone in a way that will win football games in the 21st century. The guy does his homework on the opposing teams, pays attention to tendencies, is ballsy, and willing to make changes - fast. I can't say the same things about the last staff. Last year's staff was all about "what used to work". In two weeks, Kiffin has proven that he can and will put his team in a position to win games, and will do whatever it takes. This week at Denver, the Raiders were down 17-10 on the road. After a touchdown, with plenty of time left in the second half, he calls an on-side kick(!), and IT WORKED. The Raiders take possession at midfield, threatening to tie the game.</p> Defense:</p> The unit is still solid, and is keeping this team in games. In the first two weeks, the Raiders have not scored an offensive touchdown in the first half, and have been behind by at least two scores. Last season, that meant that we lost the game. This year, you don't dare leave your seat. In both games, the team has come from behind and taken the lead in games. There is a bend-but-don't-break philosophy there, and eventually turnovers and big plays happen which change the momentum in a split second. The Raider D came up with a saftey and interceptions today, one ran back for a touchdown. </p> Offense:</p> The offensive line is essentially brand new. The whole right side has new players. The left has them playing different positions. Tom Cable, the o-line coach, has done wonders for a group that gave up so many sacks last season and couldn't block your grandma on 3rd and long. They can actually move the chains now and give the QB time to throw. Oh my god! Robert Gallery at guard seems to be the answer for him so far. A tackle in the NFL needs longer arms than that. I dare say that Mel Kiper was right about that. Being a guard though, I think he will do fine, but not command the salary that a #2 pick should have.</p> Overall:</p> The team came to Denver with a plan that they executed as well as I could have hoped for. They were a big underdog coming into this game, and were able to keep it close by field position and defense. Janikowski, who missed 3 FG last week, is not going to get any sympathy from me after Shanahan's timeout trick. SeaBass needs to make every kick from 55 yards or less, he has the leg. If he continues to miss like this...</p> The defense put this team in a position to (W)in this game on the road. The rest of the team needs to step up. In two weeks, it seems that it has been all about player execution on the offensive and special teams side.</p> </p>
I didn't expect the Raiders to play so well in Denver. It seems like the Dolphins and Raiders are facing similar problems. The defenses are playing their hearts out and the other units are leaving them hanging.
I'm just geared up to see Russell and Bush in there for a chunk of the game, to see how they do. McCown and Jordan...I just get depressed watching these guys. The defense was nothing short of spectacular, although I wasn't happy with that last drive.
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Why this guy McCown is starting just baffles me. He 's shown me, so far, that we can count on him to throw 3 Int's a game. Culpepper has seen all those defenses and recognizes them. Luke hasn't and don't. Until Kiffin puts the "real" QB in, we will continue to struggle to a 3 point loss. </font></p> I don't give a damn how exciting a game is, I want to win the son of a bitch, not make it close.</p>
Genuis that he is (sarcasm intended) (Jazz owner) Larry Miller got the rights to show Denver & Oakland games here in SLC.He owns a TV station as well.</p> The Raiders looked real good in preseason. Daunte looked like he was almost @ 100% physically& mentally. They looked pretty good yesterday in the bits I caught. </p> There are alot of negative nancies at the phins only siteI frequent; some, after the skins game,labeledCameron the worst coach ever in Miami history. Were they asleep during the vanilla reign? Patience grasshoppers! </p> It was my impression thatMiami had 2.5 good qtrs before melting down yesterday. Sadly, the game is 4 qtrsbut it was improvement over week 1 where Miami IMO just did not get out the gate yet still almost won. FYI; Miami has scored more than the jest or barfalo.</p> As for the race to the #1 pick. MaminorOakland willhave thatclaim to fame. the Chiefs,Bills,or Falcons probably will and despite week 2 results neither the Browns or Bucs seem all that impressive. I have this odd feeling that w/ Pace gone for the year that the lambs could stink something fierce.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pack Attack)</div><div class='quotemain'>Off topic... ROTR, that's one of the most awesome Avatars I've ever seen. Well done! =)</div></p> Thanks, Kenn.</p> </p> </p>
I agree withOLD BOB a100 percent. McCown made 30 of 40 passes for 313 yards in the game againist the Detroit Lions which is decent but he also had 3 to many interceptions what is the point of those yards if you give it back. In the game againist the Broncos two interception first quarter. and in the last quarter he totally missed the receiver who was wide open in the touchdown.
I am not sure why they dont throw Culpepper out there. McCown is a walking turnover and Culpepper at least is a realistic threat to run that offense as long as he makes the right reads and they keep the play calling vanilla to start.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (TucsonClip)</div><div class='quotemain'>I am not sure why they dont throw Culpepper out there. McCown is a walking turnover and Culpepper at least is a realistic threat to run that offense as long as he makes the right reads and they keep the play calling vanilla to start.</div> Culpepper looks healthy, seems to have the desire. I guess Kiffin doesn't think that he has the playbook down well enough yet. I'm sure that affects a lot of things, like audibles, where recievers are running, etc. If you don't know where you are supposed to throw the ball, it doesn't matter how good you were in someone elses offense. Fumbling the snap from center multiple times like he did in preseason doesn't make him look very good either. I am not going to defend McCown at all. I think McCown needs to be replaced as fast as they can. If they could somehow combine McCown's understanding of the offense with Culpepper's big play ability, I think we win. I can't wait to see Culpepper start, hury up Daunte! </p> Girlgotgame, that pass to Porter that he overthrew would have been a game-clinching touchdown. I just about jumped off my balcony when I saw him overthrow Porter wide open. McCown did things like that all game, and it made me ill watching him trying to win the game for us. </p> </p>
It could be worse Raiders fans. Jay Feidler could un-retire or probably soon Joey H will be available.
